The TOPS of my feet hurt.

by Barb
(Harrisburg, IL USA)

The tops of my feet hurt. When I walk it sometimes feels as if the bones in the tops of my feet are going to break. I can walk normally at times and at other times I almost feel like my foot won't work and I start to fall and catch myself. It is painful to bend my toes down(especially) or to bend my toes up. The sides of both of my legs ache periodically too - very severe pain. (the sides of my leg - not my calf)

Hi Barb,

The 2 conditions I would look at are tendonitis of the extensor tendons which are tendons on top of your feet and midtarsal fault even though I am leaning more towards tendonitis as that generally will hurt when you move your toes up and down.The first thing I would look at is a certain pair of shoes that is exacerbating the problem. Next I would look at the type of walking you do on a regular basis. Do you regularly walk up or down steep hills?You might consider adding an orthotic to your shoes to better balance your feet and perhaps take some of the strain off the tendons, or in the case of a midtarsal foot, better bone support.Good luck.Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for The TOPS of my feet hurt.

Same here my foot hurts in the front on the day before i want to go roller skating

Dec 02, 2016Rating

Feet painby: Mellisa

The pain in my feet started in my heels & have now moved into the tops. I can barely walk in the mornings & there's no way I can Jump or run if someone started chasing me. I'd be done. So I finally found a possible solution to help with the pain called Cold Laser Therapy. I read that it does womders for Plantar Fasciitis. I scheduled an appointment immediately when I read its reviews. Wish me luck. --------------------------------------------------We use cold laser in our office and for many people it is terrific, but like anything else, it does not work for every one.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Apr 22, 2016Rating

top foot painby: Donna age 50

I appreciate all your comments it helps alot I have been having same issues for about about a month now first my stomach broke out in a rash all around my belly button or should I say welts every night for about a week my whole body hurt went to Dr. He first thought might be shingles then said might be lyme disease but said was just hives on return visit I could hardly walk because tops of both feet have been hurting now for about 2 weeks all the time even when sitting down there not swollen but major pain the welts are gone an other body aches the Dr. Said instead of exposing me to radiation he believes its just stress yeah I think it's time to go to new Dr.

Jan 26, 2016Rating

I have that same pain! You're not alone!by: Cindy

It all started in 2007 or so, but I won't bore you with details.

They tested me for diabetes, but I don't have that. I have pins & needles/pain on tops of feet/wake from a dead sleep in unbelievable pain.

The neuropathy (numbness/pain) I believe was caused by the lack of them searching for the right thing.

I will not ever get better, but Lyrica combined with the gabapentin I take seems to be a slight miracle. I take oxycodone, but not every day. I keep a log of when (and what) I take.

I just hope this helps someone. Mine has been torture! Not sure what they did before all these pills were developed.

Good luck, all!

Aug 20, 2015Rating

Tops of feet hurtby: Anonymous

I am 68 stand in one place most of the day behind a desk at hotel. Eight hours of standing and walking a little. My tops of feet started hurting mostly the left one and swollen on top. Some times at night hard to get feet comfortable. They hurt when on top of each other or when just laying there on bed they hurt. What can I do for this now have inserts in shoes and it takes away the pressure on top while wearing, but when I take them off ouch.

Mar 16, 2015Rating

Hurting right footby: Anonymous

this is the second time, at night when I'm sleeping the top of my right foot hurts like something heavy is sitting on it. It wakes me up from a dead sleep, I move my foot around and sometimes it hurts worse then all of a sudden it quits. Could this be the starting of a blood clot

Aug 26, 2014Rating

pain right foot top to the instep sideby: Ardith

I am 64 in the last couple of months I have a sharp pain in just the top of my right foot. not when Iam walking or sitting or standing.. but just all of a sudden.. is happening more when I lay down at night. have a good pluse.. during the day the pain is there only once in awhile.. at night it is getting hard to find a place to rest the foot to sleep. have tried raising the leg and foot for rest. cool ice warm towel. and rubs.. have not had a bruise or fall. or harm to the foot and have several different types of walking footwear,. please help..

Aug 07, 2014Rating

Help for hurting feet!by: Anonymous

A good number of you need to go to a Lyme Literate doctor. (a Doctor who understands Lyme Disease and how to treat Lyme Disease and all the co-infections that the tick bite can bring. Go to the International Lyme Disease web site, Or the California Lyme Disease web site *these may not be their actual names but it should get you there*. I have Bartonella as well as Lyme Disease and the foot pain especially when starting to walk or in the mornings is typical. Body pain goes along with it, as well as other aches and pains, skin sensitivity, headaches, You name it, It can be Lyme Disease. Do yourself a favor and educate yourselves. It might just save your sanity if not your life!

Aug 17, 2013Rating

Cause could be your backby: Anonymous

I fell down the stair in November 2012 the pain in my back was so bad. i was bounced around from neoroligist, orthopedic pain so bad on the side of my leg to my foot had emg nothing. started getting numbness on top of my foot after because I was bounced around so much the disc in my back was disappearing on its own And then it cause me to have drop foot I'm not saying these cases you could have it but when they can't find thing anything wrong with such awful pain sometime it's cause from your nerves that travel from your back down to your spine a pinch nerve it's called.

Oct 07, 2012Rating

I hurt all over PLEASE HELPby: Anonymous

I too have had both of my feet in pain, these past few months.. Feels like a road rash, and bones clicking inside my feet... They hurt so bad.. I too cannot bend my toes with out them hurting, also my toes feel like pins and needles all the time...And I wake up with charlie horses in my calfs...I also cannot stand up and walk right away, makes me look like I am drunk too.. Just before this stated happening, I was getting restless sleep with restless leg syndrome... I haven't been to see anybody as of yet about this, because I have been dealing with many other medical issues... and the medical staff, physicians, and specialist are finding nothing really extremely wrong... I actually hurt all over. They say I have fibro, but not really tested for it., they say I have RA, but the RA specialist says I have carpal tunnel, I have major heartburn, which the Gastrolisogist says I have a hyena hernia, which is causing it, will have to live with it.. the naturalpath did a food allergy test, says to try gluten free allergic, the cat scan found a mass of cysts ??? on my kidneys, followup ultrasound..later to see if they are growing.. I have been complaining of weekness, shortness of breath, sore back, in my lung area.. all comes back clear..I have the spinners, real dizzy, like floating and room spinning when I put my head down, But Holy crap, what is going on with me... My teeth hurt, my skin will not heal, and I am not getting any answers and my hubby wants to leave me, because he also thinks I am BS... trust me.. I am in so much pain.. I took Advil like candy, which rotted out my stomach lining, so I have been ordered not to take any pain pills for a while... also, I feel like I get heart spasms, and pains in my underarms and behind my breast.. mamogram is OK I have been checked for Lupus.. OK there.. I hate this.. This is not me, and I can't find an answer anywhere...Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am almost at my wits end.. and everyone close to me is sick of hearing me complain, or watch me hurt.

Jul 19, 2012Rating

foot painby: Lauren A

Upon waking, the tops of my feet (feels like my bones) hurt so bad I don't want to walk. Once I start walking the pain eases an I go about my day. What causes this pain?

Apr 23, 2012Rating

Barb I understandby: KCLark

I have the same issues as you Barb. At times my foot feels ok never great, but ok. Other times it is as if someone takes a knife and jabs it into my left foot. It hurts so bad that I can hardly walk. Then it goes away a few minutes up to several hours or even days later as quickly as it arrived. I am not sure what is causing it, but when it happens I almost feel a click in the top of my foot.

Thanks

Aug 18, 2011Rating

The tops of my feet after volleyballby: Anonymous

When I get done with volley ball the tops of my feet just ache and burn and throb all the time. I woke up to the feeling and I have tryouts this afternoon! I am way to young to have arthritis I'm only 13. Does any one know what's going on?!?!

Aug 18, 2011Rating

The tops of my feet after volleyballby: Anonymous

When I get done with volley ball the tops of my feet just ache and burn and throb all the time. I woke up to the feeling and I have tryouts this afternoon! I am way to young to have arthritis I'm only 13. Does any one know what's going on?!?!

Aug 12, 2011Rating

Tops of feet just burn and HURTby: Anonymous

SERiously, last week my feet were fine. This week the tops of my feet just burn and they look normal except for some swelling on the left foot which is wierd because that is the ankle I hairline factured and the right one I actually had to have surgery to insert a plate and screws is not swollen. Broke ankles over 5 years ago. I do have RA, & Fibro so they tell me(8 years ago). The pain I am having now is totaling keeping me housebound because I can barely walk. I have had to make a some appts this week in agony. My RA DR can't see me till Tues, 4 more days yet. I suppose if I worsen to the point of the ER then maybe I'll get in quicker! I wrapped my feet last night and I was at least able to get a few hours of sleep. I am trying Advil, and I have used my tylenol 3 but nothing takes the pain away and enables me to walk properly. I don't know what set me off like this. I did overdo on some walking with my neice last week. Makes me feel so old when I cannot even be out doing some grocey shopping without these effects on me. Don't ya ever wish your body was like a computer and would spit what the cause of your pain is or/and "danger, rest, danger, rest immediatly!"?
Or it could tell you what to do to fix it? Like you had your own central command center in your brain and it would tell you what was going on right away. Yeah, I've been in pain way too long...I so want to be out of "acute" pain.

Aug 12, 2011Rating

My feetby: Amanda Reed

Hello....I just recently started walking to lose weight. When I walk the tops of my feet hurt and it is getting extremely painful. I do have arthritis, but not sure if this is the cause. They don't hurt on the bottom, only the tops. Thanks, Amanda....

Jun 28, 2011Rating

How old are you?by: Taylor

I am going through similar issues. I am 54. That's too young. How old are the people reporting?
Only the top of my right foot hurts. The weird thing is that it feels better when I have a tennis shoe on...for awhile.. Sandals seem to aggravate it. lack of support?

Apr 09, 2011Rating

Loosing hopeby: Anonymous

I started with heel pain and was given orthotics. No help. Then cortozone shots. Still no help. Then pysiotherapy. Pain developed onto both outside edges and tops of the feet. I get out of bed every morning and can hardly walk.Went to clinic for xrays and was suspected of hairline fracture and put into a walking boot for a month. Still no better. Sent for bone scan that showed some wear of the ankle but nothing that would account for the kind of pain and stiffness I am experiencing. Had an mri last week and am waiting on the results.There are times when the pain is so bad I want to curl up and die and other brief periods when the pain just disappears for a few hours and I gain hope that maybe there is a solution.

Jan 02, 2010Rating

I feel your painby: Anonymous

No, really, I feel your pain. I have been diagnosed with tendonitis, arthritis, neuritis, plantar fascitis, a plantar fibromatoma on the left arch, neuropathy. I am a female with EEE width, but short, feet. I have multiple nerve entrapments. So far I've had the right plantar fascia released, a large neuroma removed from both feet and 2 hammer toes fixed. Most days I could chew my own feet off.It's embarassing to eat in a restaurant because it looks like I'm drunk when I stand up. I don't even drink.So far, I've been told a lot about whats wrong but not much about what to do other than to try to learn coping mechanisms to deal with the pain.

Oct 06, 2009Rating

foot and leg painby: Bell

In the morning when I get up I can barely stand and walk due to the pain in my feet (left more than right) It feels as though my bones are trying to freeze up. If I stretch my calves out(heal down and lean forward as far as possible)) it is much easier to walk. It is causing my leg muscles to contract. I have been to a sports medicine DR. and he gave me pills.(Naprosync 500mg and Diclofenac 75mg. and then a month later said that I should be getting better soon, but no such luck. X-rays were taken and arthritis,planters facia and haglers wart? Heal growth were ruled out so I am back to square one.If you have any opinions please feel free to share.

I've been doing some aggressive research lately (it's how I found your incredible website) and realize now that my symptoms are not consistant with the diagnosis.

Jennifer

Hunterville, NC
….after reviewing your amazing site (great for the avg. jill). So thank you very much!!!

Liesbeth

NY
I am really, really impressed with your plain-speak explanations for the various conditions.

Jacqueline

NJ
This was an extremely helpful site. I have an appointment on the 18th and your info. Was right on target…..

Jack

Fla
A well organized site containing much information written in a manner that the average reader can comprehend.

Jean

Ontario, Canada
I found your website and articles most interesting.

Andrew

Fla.
Thank you for a quick response. I think your site is the best information site on foot pain and I have viewed many.

Judy

(location unknown)
I came to your website, footspecialist.net via www.foot-pain explained .com which I think is also your website? I thought explanations for different types of problems were well addressed and thoughtfully stated for the patient in mind.

L.W.

New York
You have an amazing and extremely informative site. I enjoyed looking through all of the data and stats.

Yvette

Memphis, TN
Thanks again so much for the information in the article. Very interesting.

Anna

Scotland
Great article. I have had plantar fasciitis since I was in high school……..

J. Simmons

(location unknown)
Dear Dr. Mitnick,
The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics.
I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again.
Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

J.C. Forbes

Tennessee
Thanks for the Response, you hit it on the head.

Steve

Redondo Beach, CA
Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)
First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems.
Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)
First of all, thank you for having all this useful information available in one place. I've been through most of your website and based on my research, pain and evaluations I think I've narrowed things down quite a bit.

Pete M.

(location unknown)
Thank you for the best site I have found when researching foot pain.

Glenda B.

Madison, Alabama
Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX
Dr. Marc,
Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!"
Thanks Very Much,

Dawn

West lafayette, IN
Dear sir...no doubt you get positive comments re your site...May I please be added to the list of your admirers. In all of my years of web surfing I would say your site is right there with the very best.
Thank you for taking the time to write the terrific info you provide and for putting things into laymen terms for us mere mortals. I pray you have much on going success and thank you again for a deed well done.
As for me I did not find much help for my symptoms and will continue on my quest. Were you anywhere in the South I would make and appointment...Thanks again dear sir...m.e.

Michael E.

Tampa, Florida 33624
Hi. This is a great site! I'm a healthy middle aged woman who is in good health, but.....

Kelly

Texas
Just a wee word of thanks for your wonderful website...It is a terrific service...Thank you for providing your knowledge and help...With highest regards, m ebeling

Michael D. Ebeling

Tampa, Florida 33624

Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot.

Steve

UK

Dear Dr.Mitnick

I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain.

I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

Dragica W.

Edmonton,Canada

....I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE!

Roxy

South Africa

You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Thank you for that.

Matthew W.

Mansfield Ctr, CT

First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you.

Steve

Placentia, California

First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)

Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. And your site is so intelligently arranged.

Ron R.

Pacific Grove, CA

I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in
college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Again, I want
to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. It was so great to get to your
site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed
EASILY and QUICKLY! Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really
appreciate it.

All the best,

Victoria

Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain......
Dee RN

Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

Catherine

New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies.
Thank again!
What a great web site!

Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Cindy H.

Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida
1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland
Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!

M P

South Carolina
Hello!
I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

...Thanks for your fantastic service.

Gary

Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick,
Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.

Anna

Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

Esh

Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for
this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM.
Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick,
Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better.
So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

location unknown
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada
I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for
this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot
and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown
Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin
Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!!
This website is terrific!!!!
Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick,
Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown
Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!